GECs
Zee streamlines corporate structure
MUMBAI: Zee Telefilms has restructured its overseas subsidiary companies in 2004-05 to streamline and simplify operations.
Asia Today Ltd (ATL) has acquired 100 per cent stake in Pan Asia Infrastructure Ltd (PAIL), a company incorporated in Mauritius. The company has leased land from Dubai Media City to build office space and a studio. This is in line with Zee’s expansion plans in the Middle East.
In Dubai, Zee has formed a subsidiary, Zee Telefilms Middle East F.Z.L.L.C. This company, formed to handle broadcasting operations for the Middle East from the Dubai Media City, has an issued share capital fully held by ATL. Incidentally, Zee plans to launch a music and lifestyle channel, Zee Arabia, targeted at South Asians in the Middle East.
ATL, in fact, has become the hub for Zee’s international operations. As part of this exercise, Expand Fast Holdings Ltd, BVI was merged with ATL during the year.
ATL has also entered into a joint venture with Resource Software Ltd to seek programme procurement and packaging expertise for Zee’s English movie channels. ATL holds a 60 per cent in the joint venture company, Asia Business Broadcasting Mauritius Ltd. The need for a JV followed the buy out of MGM by Sony. ATL was hosting the English movie channel Zee MGM.
Zee Interactive Learning Systems Ltd (ZILS), a wholly owned subsidiary which is primarily engaged in the business of technology led learning, is being capitalised. ZILS has proposed to issue of 10,00,000 equity shares of Rs 10 each at a premium of Rs 20 to the company by converting/capitalising outstanding advances against subscription money payable on the issue. ZLS has also issued and allotted 9,50,000 equity shares of Rs 10 each to Ganjam Trading Co. Pvt. Ltd (one of the promoters of Zee Telefilms) at a premium of Rs 20 per share. This aggregates to Rs 28.5 million against the loans and advances provided by Ganjam. ZILS has, thus, ceased to be the wholly owned subsidiary of the company, though the control and management will remain with Zee Telefilms.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
